This incredibly flavorful Mexican Corn Dip brings all the vibrant tastes of Mexican street corn, or Elote, right into a creamy, irresistible dip. Imagine sweet summer corn mingling with a smoky spice blend, rich cream cheese, and tangy mayo, all topped off with grilled corn kernels, a drizzle of chili butter, and salty Cotija cheese. This dip is quick to prepare and utterly delicious, especially when paired with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. It’s the ultimate appetizer for your summer gatherings, barbecues, or any fiesta!
Close-up of Mexican Street Corn Dip with cotija cheese and cilantro
Continuing our appetizer adventures, we’re thrilled to share this exceptionally yummy street corn dip recipe! Seriously, this is one dip you need in your life. It’s so good, it deserves to be a regular on your menu all summer long. Forget the usual appetizers; if you’re looking for something exciting and different, this Mexican Corn Dip is your answer.
Inspired by the amazing flavors of Mexico, this dip was born from a craving for authentic Mexican taste. Planning a trip to Mexico sparked the idea, and this dip perfectly captures the essence of Mexican cuisine, making it a fantastic way to get everyone excited for a Mexican-themed meal or celebration. Whether you’re planning a trip south of the border or just want to bring those vibrant flavors to your kitchen, this dip is a fantastic starting point.
Overhead shot of Mexican Street Corn Dip in a serving dish with tortilla chips
But the truth is, this recipe was created simply out of a love for Mexican street corn and a desire to transform it into an easy-to-share dip. While grilled corn on the cob is always a treat, a creamy dip just feels more fun, especially when you’re hosting friends or family. This Mexican Corn Dip is designed to be the star of your summer appetizer spread, offering a delightful and crowd-pleasing option that goes beyond the ordinary.
Bowl of creamy Mexican Street Corn Dip with grilled corn topping
The Magic of this Mexican Corn Dip
What makes this dip so special is its simplicity and speed of preparation combined with layers of flavor. It’s based on the traditional Mexican street corn, Elote, known for its boiled corn seasoned with spices, lime, mayo, and chili powder. We’ve taken those iconic flavors and reimagined them in a creamy dip form.
The foundation of the flavor is a custom spice mix featuring chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. This blend brings smokiness and a gentle kick, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the corn. This spice mix is used both within the dip and as a flavorful topping.
The dip itself begins by sautéing onions and garlic, then adding the corn and a portion of the spice blend. Cream cheese and sour cream are stirred in for that signature creaminess, creating a warm and comforting base. Keeping the dip warm is key to its appeal, so you can gently heat it on low or in a slow cooker until serving time.
Preparing the spicy butter for Mexican Corn Dip
The next layer of flavor comes from a spiced chili butter. Don’t skip this step! Melting butter with the spice mix infuses the dip with a rich, savory depth that elevates the entire experience.
Finally, a touch of lime-infused mayo is added to brighten the dip and provide a classic Elote tang.
Mixing mayonnaise and lime juice for Mexican Corn Dip
To assemble, spoon the warm dip into a serving bowl, top with grilled corn kernels, and dollop with the lime mayo. Swirl in the chili butter for visual appeal and enhanced flavor. A generous sprinkle of crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro finishes it off perfectly. If you can’t find Cotija, feta cheese makes a good substitute. And of course, serve it with plenty of tortilla chips for scooping up every delicious bite!
While the steps might seem detailed, the dip comes together quickly and easily. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for summer entertaining.
Serving of Mexican Street Corn Dip with tortilla chips
Most importantly, this Mexican Corn Dip is simply delicious. It’s wonderfully creamy, with a spicy kick that’s not overpowering – you can easily adjust the heat to your preference. The cheese and spiced butter topping amplify the flavors, making each scoop a truly satisfying experience. This is the kind of dip that will become a new favorite, requested again and again.
Looking for more corn-centric summer recipes? Try these:
- Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta
- Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Chicken with Creamed Corn
- Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad
- Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Lazone with Herby Corn
If you try this Mexican Street Corn Dip recipe, please leave a comment and rating! We love hearing from you and do our best to respond to every comment. And if you make this recipe, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram – we love seeing your culinary creations!
